The Texas State Bobcats faced a challenging start to their 2026 football season, suffering a significant 59-7 defeat against the Texas Longhorns at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin on September 5, 2026. The Longhorns showcased their depth and talent, overwhelming the Bobcats' defense while Texas State's special teams faltered, raising concerns for head coach G.J. Kinne.
In the aftermath of the game, Kinne expressed his frustration with the mental errors that plagued his team. Despite recognizing the Longhorns' superior talent, he emphasized that mistakes made during the game were particularly damaging. "I can deal with physically getting beat," Kinne stated. "But when you’re playing someone like Texas Week 1 on the road, every time you make a (mental) mistake like that, they’re going to make you pay for it." This loss sets a critical tone for the Bobcats as they prepare for their upcoming rivalry game against UTSA.
Defensively, Texas State struggled significantly against a potent Texas offense that racked up 516 total yards. The Longhorns scored on every drive except one, with quarterback Arch Manning throwing for 305 yards and four touchdowns in just two and a half quarters. Kinne noted that while there were some positive moments, the overall performance left much to be desired. "Just going out there and cutting guys loose ... guys not running the call right," he remarked, indicating a need for greater discipline and maturity from his players.
One of the few bright spots for Texas State was safety Ryan Nolan, who intercepted Manning just before halftime. Cornerbacks Trez Moore and Craig Royal Jr. also had commendable performances, but the overall lack of a pass rush was concerning. The Bobcats' inability to pressure Manning allowed him the time to execute plays effectively, which is something Kinne will need to address moving forward.
Special teams were another area of concern for Texas State, particularly in the kicking game. Kicker Dylan Cunanan missed two field goal attempts, including a 24-yarder in the second quarter that could have shifted momentum. Kinne's frustration was evident as he quipped about potentially abandoning field goal attempts altogether if the misses continued. "You can’t miss chip-shot field goals," he said, hinting at the pressure on Cunanan and the possibility of other kickers getting a chance in practice.
On the offensive side, quarterback Brad Jackson had a mixed performance. While he managed to move the ball effectively in the first half, he struggled in the second half, fumbling and throwing an interception on consecutive drives. Jackson completed 15 of 23 passes for 150 yards, demonstrating flashes of potential, particularly with a notable 24-yard completion to running back Davian Jackson. The latter, a converted wide receiver, scored the Bobcats' only touchdown and showed promise as a leading back, alongside Torrance Burgess and Jaylen Jenkins.
As Texas State prepares for their next matchup against UTSA, the team must address the issues that surfaced in their opener. The rivalry game could serve as a pivotal moment for the Bobcats, who are looking to bounce back from a tough loss and establish a more disciplined and effective team dynamic for the remainder of the season.
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